I find myself attracted to the same shops (usually bags) each time I visit Etsy SWANclothing has been a favorite of mine since I joined. Tara Bethune-Leamen is the creator of a line of big totes (cell-phone pockets attached). Each SWAN purse (made from overstock and low-impact material) is embroidered, quilted or stenciled and comes with its very own machine embroidered secret swan. I’m not usually a fan of gray but the Rose Quilted Louche Tote  (shown above) caught my eye.

• SwanDiamondRose - the blog
• SWANClothing - the shop

I don’t care for those with across-the-chest straps, nor do I like clunky hand-bags that you have to carry like a suitcase. I’m not crazy about back-pack purses and I hate those pouches you strap around your waist. I’m a shoulder bag gal and I suspect I always will be one. The only problem I have (and it’s a recent problem, perhaps brought on by aging, rounded shoulders) is slippage. You know, that heavy weight of your bag landing in the crook of your arm when you’re carrying an armful of groceries and trying to open the car door at the same time.

Well from the shape of this Baggallini bag from Careerbags.com, it looks like it just might stay up on the shoulder, tucked neatly under the arm. It features a cell phone pocket, and a front gusset pocket for quick access to a key fob, a detachable ID/Coin holder with its own mirror, and lipstick and pen holders too. It has a 52 inch adjustable strap and is made from lightweight water resistant fabric. At 9″ H x 11.5″ W and weighing only .85 lbs it sounds very comfortable.

Ellen Hart, President of  Careerbags.com, writes about the latest styles in laptop bags, messenger bags, carry-ons, and business travel on her blog LaptopbagLifeline.com. Check out both of her websites! 

I’ve been inspired by by visit to the Woodstock Museum this past weekend. I’m going to sell my fringed leather drawstring shoulder bag. If you’re interested in purchasing this piece of sixties nostalgia, please leave a comment for me here or email me at cath (at) allchic.com. and I’ll be happy to send you details. Otherwise look for it soon on my All Chic Shop. I just have to get busy with some more photos.

AngieHearts is giving a bag away this month. All you’ve got to do to enter is sign up for their newsletter and write a post about your favorite item in their shop. Of course, this  top from Vingt et un 21 caught my eye right way with it’s gold buttons on the diagonal. The price is right at $33.

Laptop cases…starting at $86

I was visiting A La Mode tonight, then hopped on over to her friend Jan’s blog, Scoutie Girl, and found these awesome bags by SNAP.  The waterproof laptop cases were recently featured on The Today Show.

Here’s what Michelle Kline has to say about her work:

each SNAP item is designed and sewn by me, michelle kline - right here in my portland studio since 2004. each piece is constructed from an assortment of colorful vinyl, decorative top stitching and complimentary fabric lining. the ever-changing combination of vinyl, thread color, stitch pattern and lining makes each bag unique and one of a kind. all straps are reinforced with metal rivets. we use a high quality vinyl that is durable, waterproof, and cleans up easily with soap and water.

record books (the original!) are hand cut and made from spent vintage records and their unique covers. interior pockets are made from transparent frosted vinyl. paper is standard/refillable size.
(audiophiles: don’t worry, we don’t cut up valuable records)

laptop cases are lined and heavily padded. they feature front & back zip pockets and handles for carrying. (now with optional strap!)

totes are all lined with a heavy cotton twill and have 3 pockets total with a snap closure.

 
And don’t you love these shoulder bags?…$68

This is one of the bags I made but didn’t put up for sale. I started using it when the strap on my leather messenger bag broke. It’s made from an upholstery fabric remnant with beades decorating the flap. I’ve been carrying it everywhere for a couple of weeks… sort of testing the prototype.

Tonight at Target, the cashier (whom I had never met before) told me she liked my bag. When I told her that I made it, she asked if I made anything else! Well, of course I had no business cards. Nothing to even write down the address of my little Etsy shop. But that one little comment certainly made my day!

I can’t help it. The detail on this Betseyville Hobo bag just puts me in a good mood.

Now if this Street Chic bag won’t get you in the mood for Spring…!

You can WIN it by posting a comment over at Alamodestuff anytime during the month of April. Or buy it here. 

(….and by the way A Punkin Card Company is also having a big April Giveaway! Hop on over and check it out.)